DOJ argues Trump can bar CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from White House over security

The Department of Justice argued Tuesday that President Donald Trump has the right to ban CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, calling access a "privilege" and citing national security concerns. The filing urges a federal judge not to block the ban ahead of a Wednesday hearing. The DOJ contends the ban does not violate First Amendment protections, stating the outlets failed to maintain "standards of professionalism and decorum" by publishing sensitive or classified information. White House letters cited stories on bunker construction, ballroom funding, munitions stockpiles, and Russia sanctions, giving outlets until Friday to contest the decision. The ban stems from a Friday Truth Social post by Trump, who called the outlets "FAKE NEWS." Journalists had credentials confiscated, prompting a lawsuit from the outlets and criticism from First Amendment experts. Judge Timothy Kelly, who ruled against Trump in a similar 2018 case, will preside over the hearing.